What to Do After a Car Accident in Akron
In the shock of a car accident, you may feel unsure about what steps to take next. Here’s what you need to know about protecting yourself and your right to fair compensation after a car crash in Akron.
What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident
The moments after a collision can be disorienting. If possible, you should:
- Make sure everyone is safe – If you can, check your passengers and the occupants of the other vehicle(s) for injuries. Call 911 if you or someone else appears hurt.
- Call the police– If no one needs medical help, contact the Akron Police Department (or the state police if the accident occurs on the highway or interstate). An officer may respond to the accident scene and prepare a police report. Get a copy of the report later. Your insurance company may request it before starting the claims process.
- Take photos – Use your cell phone to photograph damage to your car and the other vehicles involved in the accident.
- Talk to bystanders – Ask eyewitnesses for their contact information and to provide a brief statement about what they saw.
- Get the other driver’s name and insurance information – You need insurance and contact information from every driver involved in the crash in case you need to file a personal injury claim later.
- Contact an Akron personal injury lawyer – Speak with an experienced attorney who can handle all necessary communication, gather proof of fault, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
Yes. See a doctor as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident, even if you feel unhurt or do not have any visible injuries. Many car accident injuries take days or even weeks before they cause pain, discomfort, or other noticeable symptoms. However, a doctor can examine you after a collision to identify and treat injuries you may have sustained before they begin causing you pain.
Another reason to seek timely medical care is to protect your right to maximum compensation. Waiting to see a doctor may jeopardize the financial recovery you could receive in your car accident claim. An extended period between the time of the collision and the start of medical treatment may give an at-fault driver or insurance company a basis to argue that your injuries are not crash-related.
Should I Move My Car After an Accident?
Yes. Move your car off the road if you can drive it safely. Move to a nearby parking lot or as far onto the shoulder as possible to keep out of the way of traffic. Leaving your vehicle in the path of oncoming traffic may put you at risk of a secondary collision.
Contact Our Akron Car Accident Attorneys for Help
Wondering where to go after an accident in Akron, Ohio? Turn to Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our law firm offers free consultations to injured victims. Let us review your case and explain your right to financial compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced Akron car accident lawyers.
